Can I drive without a breathalyser in the car?
Yes. Since the decree no. 2020-605 of 18 May 2020 (in force 22 May 2020), the obligation to carry a breathalyser in your vehicle has been permanently removed for individuals. So you can drive without a breathalyser without risking a fine for it. It's still strongly recommended to have one, like a vest or first-aid kit, to check your own level before driving. Don't confuse it with the alcohol interlock (EAD), which remains mandatory for public-transport coaches and can be imposed on some sanctioned drivers.
📋 The rules
- Breathalyser obligation removed for individuals since 2020
- Driving without a breathalyser is no longer fineable
- Breathalyser recommended to self-check
- Alcohol interlock mandatory for public-transport coaches
- An interlock can be imposed on a driver sanctioned for alcohol
🔓 Exceptions
- Public-transport coaches: alcohol interlock mandatory
- Convicted drivers: interlock may replace a suspension
- Drink-driving limits remain fully applicable
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Not having a breathalyser brings no fine since 2020. However, drink-driving rules remain: above 0.5 g/L of blood (0.2 g/L for young drivers) it's an offence (fine, points lost, suspension). For vehicles required to have an interlock (coaches), missing or bypassing the device is heavily punished.
📎 Official sources
- Service-Public.fr · Breathalyser in the vehicle →
- Road safety · Drink-driving →
- Légifrance · Decree no. 2020-605 of 18 May 2020 →
❓ Frequently asked
Is a breathalyser mandatory in the car?
No, not since the decree of 18 May 2020. The obligation to carry a breathalyser was removed for individuals. You can drive without one, without risking a fine for it.
Is it still worth having one?
Yes, it's strongly recommended. A breathalyser lets you check your own alcohol level before driving. It's a prevention reflex, like the vest or first-aid kit.
What penalties without a breathalyser?
None. Not having a breathalyser is no longer fineable. But exceeding the drink-driving limit (0.5 g/L, or 0.2 g/L for a young driver) remains a heavily punished offence.
What's the alcohol interlock?
It's a device (EAD) that prevents the vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking. It's mandatory in public-transport coaches and can be imposed on a driver sanctioned for drink-driving.
Has the alcohol limit changed?
No. It remains 0.5 g/L of blood for most drivers, and 0.2 g/L for probationary licence holders. It's the obligation to carry a breathalyser, not the alcohol limit, that was removed.
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